Investigation underway after fire damages South Bend Apartments

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

Tools

apartment fire

South Bend Firefighters work to control a fire that broke out in a small apartment complex early Thursday morning. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Aug 21, 2008 at 6:19 AM EST

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2008 at 8:36 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — Fire investigators are looking for the cause of a fire that broke out early Thursday morning. A small apartment complex and a vacant home are badly damaged. The 911 call came in around 4 a.m. near the corner of Huron and Meade streets.

Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames when they arrived on scene on the west side of South Bend. Three apartments were reportedly evacuated. A fourth tenant was believed to be at work.

Initial reports indicated the fire started on the first floor of the apartment complex, then spread throughout the building and next door to the vacant house.

Investigators remained on the scene after 7 a.m. Thursday to determine how the fire started. There were no reported injuries.

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:45 AM seriously? wrote ...

christine and moe, get real. morons.

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:07 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Is this what happens in an economic downturn, fires, crimes and violence? Because it could get worse.

Friday, Aug 22 at 7:12 AM Hey You wrote ...

Well I met a fireman that wanted me to come to the firestation and swing on the pole and I told a girlfriend of mines and she said it did'nt surprise her. Firemans are just like everyday people they have needs to.Thats really weird she said she believe the FIREMAN did it I thought the same thing but only 2 1/2 years ago though cause that one I met was really WEIRD and met him on the chat line and you should of heard him...Makes you wonder sometimes

Thursday, Aug 21 at 11:31 PM just a thought wrote ...

Christine and Moe are you really serious? First of all setting fires means more work for the fireman they would much rather be hanging out at the station then fighting fire and secondly as the SB firefighter wrote that puts their lives at risk. There are always fires around this area you are just noticing it more since that headline came up. Stop being so ignorant.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:26 PM Ida wrote ...

Christine and Moe watch too many movies. What makes sense is, since there is talk of fire department cuts, the media notices the fire headlines more and thinks that the public just might want to hear about it more. Too bad for the families. Fires are one reason I didn't like living in an apartment. More people means more risk. But, they can happen anywhere and most homeowner's policies don't cover content unless you specify. Consider this a reminder to check your coverage before you need it.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 4:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

There goes the neighborhood

Thursday, Aug 21 at 4:06 PM South Bend Fire Fighter wrote ...

You people are absolutely disgusting and horrible. How dare you accuse us of starting these fires. do you know that four of our brothers have already been injured? do you think we want that? Wait, nvm, you wouldnt understand the brotherhood of the department. We get a lot of fire people... its just NOT ALWAYS REPORTED. Do me a favor, go down to central and pick up a statistic report of last years fire. Maybe then u wont be so ignorant.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 3:44 PM Christine wrote ...

It seems like ever since it was announced that SB would have to get rid of firefighters there have been ALOT more fires. Remember Backdraft the movie, one of there own was starting fires to save jobs...just a thought!

Thursday, Aug 21 at 3:25 PM moe wrote ...

maybe the firefighters are doing it to keep their jobs

Thursday, Aug 21 at 12:46 PM TR wrote ...

They can't afford the taxes. Thats why they keep burning down there own buildings!!!

Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:04 AM Shane wrote ...

It seems that someone is setting this fires like that because he must be a disgruntled tenand who could not get in or is a menace to society setting fires and looking at it while firefighters put their lives on the line. How could you recognize this individual that sets fires all over the place and seems not to care. Someone has to get him and take to a psychiatrist and examined his head for a chance other buildings will be spared. Or may be it is insurance money? How much it is insured?

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:24 AM Gary wrote ...

Told ya - someone's trying to burn down South Bend, one apartment building at a time. Good luck to families. I hope they can find somewhere to go.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:10 AM AMF wrote ...

What the heck is going on with all these apartment fires? Better get your renter insurance. It is real cheap and you will be thankful you did when all your stuff is damaged. Trust me smart move

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
Countdown to Digital TV:

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 27
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Wheel of Fortune
7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
NCIS
9.00
The Mentalist
10.00
Without A Trace
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman

Question of The Day

When was the last time you bought a car?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.